Chabad in Ethiopia Helps Jewish Heart Attack Victim at Airport

When a Jewish woman from Brazil on her way to Israel was struck down by a heart attack at the Addis Ababa airport, Chabad emissary Rabbi Habib and his family rushed to her aid.

"The situation was a difficult one," the Rabbi said, "as there is only one medical facility for heart patients in Addis Ababa, where the care is not of the best quality, nor are the doctors the most skilled. It was imperative that we get her out of there and fly her to Israel for continued medical care."

The Rabbi, together with the help of the community in the Ethiopian capital, pressured the airline and government officials and succeeded in arranging to airlift her to Israel for further treatment. The Chabad House took care of kosher food for her and for a caregiver and her son who came especially to monitor her condition.

Airfare, hotels and medical expenses ran higher than the family is able to deal with. The Chabad emissary has called out to the public to help in the matter.